No abstract

The analysis of the functional diversity of soil nematodes requires detailed knowledge on theoretical aspects of the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationship in natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems. Basic approaches applied are reviewed, focusing on the impact and value of soil nematode diversity in crop production and on the most consistent external drivers affecting their stability. The role of nematode trophic guilds in two intensively cultivated crops are examined in more detail, as representative of agriculture from tropical/subtropical (banana) and temperate (apple) climates. The multiple facets of nematode network analysis, for management of multitrophic interactions and restoration purposes, represent complex tasks that require the integration of different interdisciplinary expertise. Understanding the evolutionary basis of nematode diversity at the field level, and its response to current changes, will help to explain the observed community shifts. Integrating approaches based on evolutionary biology, population genetics and ecology can quantify the contribution of nematode fauna to fundamental soil functions. These include carbon transformation, nutrient cycling, pest control and disease transmission. In conclusion, different facets of nematode diversity such as trophic groups, life history traits, variability in body size and/or taxa identities in combination with DNA-based techniques are needed in order to disclose nematode–soil–ecosystem functioning relationships. Further experimental studies are required to define locally adapted and sustainable management practices, through ecosystem-based approaches and nature-based solutions.

No abstract

BoHV-5 was detected in one of several extended semen samples from a healthy donor bull during routine virus screening. This was achieved by polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) and virus isolation, with primary identification by the fluorescent antibody test. The isolated virus, B4180, was characterized by sequencing a cloned fragment of the gC gene and by restriction enzyme analysis (REA). The nucleotide sequence shared 99 % similarity with published sequences of BoHV-5, and the REA showed that the isolate was of the BoHV-5a subtype. This study provides the first evidence of intermittent BoHV-5 shedding in bull semen as well as information about its geographic distribution.

ABSTRACTprotein was recognized by the monoclonal antibody ANAF16C1 and it showed a high similitude percent with the gene sequence described for other Anaplasma marginale isolates. These data are very important for the development of a diagnostic test for A. marginale using the MSP5 recombinant protein.

We present a 76-year-old man with chronic back pain refractory to treatment secondary to spinal trauma from a motor vehicle accident 34 years ago. After trauma, multiple interventions were performed due to spinal instability. The patient was diagnosed with the postlaminectomy syndrome. Multimodal analgesia management failed to control our patient's pain, severely affecting our patient and his family's quality of life. For these reasons, a spinal cord stimulator was implanted despite our patient age. After four months, our patient presented with significant improvement in his life quality.

The first biological control project in Cuba concerned the introduction of the parasitoid Eretmocerus serius in 1929, resulting in successful classical biocontrol of citrus blackfly in citrus. The subsequent biocontrol success that is still in use on large areas today was obtained in the 1940s by mass rearing and releasing the native dipteran parasitoid Lixophaga diatraeae for control of the sugarcane borer. Nowadays, many native and exotic Trichogramma species are successfully applied against lepidopteran defoliators in the field. Other current augmentative biocontrol programmes involve the use of microbial agents, nematodes, parasitoids and predators for pest and disease management in various crops. A network of 175 mass rearing centres for entomophages and entomopathogens (CREE) and four industrial plants belonging to the Enterprise System of the Ministry of Agriculture, guarantee the mass production of native strains of microbial control agents, such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Lecanicillium lecanii, Bacillus thuringiensis, Trichoderma spp. and Heterorhabditis spp. Each year these microbial control agents are applied on about 2,400,000 ha of field crops. Conservation biocontrol practices to increase natural enemy populations and the promotion of natural reservoirs of Pheidole megacephala predatory ants, along with capturing and re-release of the coccinellids Cycloneda sanguinea, Coleomegilla cubensis, Hippodamia convergens and Chilocorus cactus L. in urban agriculture, are widely applied by farmers in Cuba.

No abstract